Columbia Student Protesters Claim Chemical Attack
TL/DR –
Columbia University and the Police Department are investigating reports of pro-Palestinian student demonstrators being sprayed with a foul-smelling chemical during a protest, with those accused being barred from campus. The university’s interim provost, Dennis A. Mitchell, referred to the events as “deeply troubling” and possible hate crimes, with some students requiring medical treatment. The university did not specify the number of people banned or the substance used in the attack, but such incidents of harassment and violence have spiked amid pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrations since the Israel-Hamas war began.
Columbia University Investigation of Campus Incident
Columbia University, in collaboration with local law enforcement, is delving into reports of pro-Palestinian student demonstrators being targeted with a foul-smelling chemical during a recent protest. The university has temporarily banned those allegedly involved from the campus until the investigation concludes.
The Interim Provost, Dennis A. Mitchell, communicated to Columbia’s community on Monday, highlighting that this incident was possibly a hate crime. Mitchell described the incident as “deeply troubling” and condemned any violence directed towards the campus community. Some students were left in need of medical attention.
No arrests have been confirmed yet, with the Police Department’s investigation ongoing.
Details of the Incident
The university’s statement was vague on the number of people barred or their identities. It didn’t reveal details about the sprayed substance or the events leading to this occurrence.
Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrations have escalated across American college campuses since the Israel-Hamas war began. While most protests remained peaceful, some resulted in harassment or violence. Earlier, a former student was charged over an assault on an Israeli student and Pro-Palestinian students have faced online threats.
In an attempt to alleviate tensions, Columbia’s president suspended two pro-Palestinian student groups for repeatedly violating student event rules. However, protests continued under different banners.
Witness Accounts
A student from Barnard College who attended the protest shared that members from the suspended groups were peacefully protesting when they were attacked with the foul-smelling liquid.
Another student, a Palestinian American graduate from Columbia’s School of Social Work, added that two men appeared determined to provoke a confrontation, labeling some protesters as “terrorists.” She also mentioned that they were particularly aggressive towards those holding “Jews for cease-fire” signs, branding them “self-hating Jews.”
The effects of the incident lingered, with some students still experiencing physical discomfort days later. Columbia’s administration has called for anyone with evidence to share it with the police.
—
Read More US News